The south coast community mourns the loss of Corsino “Manny” Ventura, a longtime South Dartmouth resident and co-owner of Lund’s Corner Driving School in New Bedford who taught thousands of local students to drive safely over more than three decades, died July 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 71.
Born Nov. 20, 1954, in Venda Nova, Portugal, Ventura was the son of Manuel Ventura and Filomena De Jesus Gante. After marrying the love of his life, Aurora Cardoso, he immigrated to the United States in 1981.
Known for his quick wit, generosity, storytelling and devotion to family and friends, Ventura began his career as an entrepreneur in his family’s business in Portugal. In 1995, he became an owner and driving instructor at Lund’s Corner Driving School in New Bedford, where he spent decades teaching thousands of South Coast students the skills and responsibility of safe driving.
Outside the classroom, Ventura enjoyed traveling to Florida, Portugal, Europe and the Caribbean. At home, he found joy in gardening, working on his cars, bird watching, reading newspapers from around the world each morning, and spending time with his beloved cats, all affectionately named “Bicho.” Fluent in five languages, he embraced different cultures through his travels and business experiences.
A passionate soccer fan, Ventura closely followed leagues and players from around the world. He was a devoted supporter of Sporting CP and Portugal’s national team and especially enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren play the sport throughout the years.
Ventura is survived by his wife, Aurora Ventura; his sons, Kenneth Ventura (Kathryne Medeiros) of Belchertown and Andrew Ventura (Sara Ventura) of Dartmouth; his sisters, Isabel Ventura (Manuel Barros) and Ceu Ventura, both of Portugal, and Maria de Lourdes Duarte of New Bedford; seven grandchildren — Ariana, Sienna, Ella, Grayson, Bexley, Jolie and Bowen — along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Manuel and Filomena Ventura.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Aug. 6, in New Bedford.
